Category: Electricians

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION COURSES

Does working in electrical technology spark your interest? There’s a lot to be excited about. Renewable energy and smart heating are among the big topics of the moment,

Whether it’s powering people’s homes or working on large-scale energy projects, there are lots of jobs in the sector that will be in demand – in or out of a recession. Our hands-on electrician courses will help you develop the skills to become a qualified electrician. With lessons taking place in an electrical workshop that’s been built to industry standards, you’ll learn about all of the required electrical principals and installation techniques.

HOW TO REPRESENT THE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION OF A HOUSE

The electrical installation of a house or building is one of the key points of its structure. It must comply with a series of regulations and technical specifications that guarantee its installation and operation. You will agree that an electrical installation must be configured according to safety and comfort criteria that ensure the optimum operation of the installation. To represent an electrical installation there are different alternatives. In this case, we will focus on one of the most common and currently used: the single-line diagram

WHAT IS A SINGLE-LINE DIAGRAM

The single-line diagram is a graphical representation of an electrical installation. It differs from other diagrams because, in the case of the Single Line diagram, each circuit is represented by a single line, in which all the conductors of the corresponding section are represented.

BASIC ELEMENTS OF A SINGLE-LINE DIAGRAM

Following the standard electrical symbolism, the basic elements of the installation will be represented in the single-line diagram. In some of them we could even find more sophisticated elements, more typical of more complex schemes.

DISTRIBUTION PANEL

The distribution panel contains the elements for the protection and control of the electricity supply of the house. The electrical system is organized from this panel and the power of the installation is distributed. In the single-line diagram the electrical panel is usually represented by a rectangle drawn with a dotted line.

CIRCUITS

A regular house usually has at least 5 circuits. In the single-line diagram we will see them represented as a line in which all the conductors are included. The top end usually corresponds to the start of the scheme. The lower end is usually connected to another circuit or to a receiver.

First circuit: controls lighting and illumination (intensity 10A)

Second circuit: shows most of the plugs (16A current)

Third circuit: represents the kitchen and bathroom sockets (intensity 16A)

Fourth circuit: for the oven (intensity 25A)

Fifth circuit: it brings together the washing machine and washing appliances (intensity 20A)

ELECTRICAL RECEIVERS

Electrical receivers represent all devices that are plugged in, whether they are thermal, such as stoves, irons, ovens, etc.; or luminous, such as lamps

POWER CIRCUIT BREAKER

The function of the Power Circuit Breaker is cutting off the flow of electricity to the installation in the event of a short circuit or an overvoltage. This switch monitors that the maximum bearable by the installation is not exceeded

Electrical installations in residential buildings

Infrastructure of electrical installations

Electrical conduits are the infrastructure of electrical installations. Building technology is one of the construction stages of a house which is used longest – mostly for the entire life of the building. Those who want to install only the minimum equipment in the new building for cost reasons should plan ahead and include several conduits

A professional retrofit installation of cables in the wall causes dirt and is disproportionately expensive. In addition, this is hardly possible in concrete walls. Frequently, conduits show their true value years later when owners and tenants consider buying new technical gadgets

This is why a well-planned, comprehensive installation of conduits assures the builders already at the construction stage that they can always use new technologies in their home – and this with very little installation effort. Renovation and modernisation should also be used in existing buildings to install conduits to make the house ready for the future. Electrical conduits are the right investment to make residential property future-proof and are sure to pay off in the long run.

first provider to launch eco-balanced electrical conduits, and pledges itself to ecological sustainability in construction. The eco-balanced co2ntrol conduits reduce the consumption of fossil resources by up to 60 percent and save approx. 47 percent CO2. In order to render the co2ntrol products CO2-neutral, plants trees in its home region that bind and continuously store the remaining CO2 of the product group.

Electrical Installations

Electricians design and install electrical systems in all types of commercial, residential, and industrial projects, while carrying out maintenance and repairs safely and quickly. Electrical equipment and systems may include switchboards, cables, fuses, thermal relays, fault current protection switches, heating, lighting, air conditioning and metering equipment as well as crime and fire alarm systems.

Work organization and self-management, communication and interpersonal skills, concentration and attention to details, problem solving, flexibility, and a deep body of knowledge are the important attributes of outstanding electricians. Given the risks associated with electricity, offering a safe and reliable service to customers is paramount. Electricians need to have an intimate knowledge of the latest safety standards and work to a strict code of safety conduct.

Electrical installation is closely associated with other parts of the construction industry, and electricians find themselves working in all manner of commercial, residential, agricultural, and manufacturing environments. Increases in the construction sector and growing demand for alternative energy sources will drive demand for electricians.

Electrical equipment accessories for professionals

Professional and skilful electrical installation requires not only well-trained specialists, but also well thought-out electrical equipment products. To help electricians and engineers make their work more safe and efficient, constantly developing practical solutions for all types of electric installation.

only high-quality materials with a long service life are used to ensure that the respective electrical installation fulfils even the highest safety requirements and is durable. As an example, particularly the safety aspect electrical equipment installations is taken into account at a very early design stage of individual products.

The transparent push-in wire connectors from the series allow visual inspection of the connection – an important safety feature for the inspection and approval of electrical installations. Likewise, the expert for electrical installation includes various structural demands in its planning. Therefore, our portfolio also includes push-in wire connectors that can be used on-wall or flush-mounted and in all kinds of junction boxes

Within electrical installation the main applications of are the insulation, fixing, bundling, sealing and marking of wiring. Various sizes, colours and materials support the professional use in electrical installation: as a fast, reliable help for repairing cables, as a tool for sealing connection points, as a warning for temporarily laid wiring or as a clearly visible cable marker. Thus, the PVC Flex insulating tapes are coated with adhesives that are specially adapted to the respective application areas, emphasising their mechanical properties for electrical work

multi-functional tool that simplifies any kind of cable routing. These cable rods are available in various sets, each consisting of a robust case and a large number of useful accessories. Extensions, adapters, hooks, guide eyelets, lights, magnets and cable grips make the cable installation system a universal tool. With the help of fiberglass-reinforced rods, cable routing is much easier even in installation areas that are difficult to access, so that their use ensures considerable time savings.

Best Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

When it comes to setting up your own lighting, you may be confused about which steps to take to do the job safely. Let’s start with the basics. One of the simplest types of lighting is low voltage.

This type of lighting is perfect for landscaping projects, as well as many others. The lower voltage and softer light tone make it more suitable for outdoor use, though.

How to Choose Landscape Lighting?

If you’re set on using low voltage landscape lights, there are a few tips you can follow to get the best type for you. First, understand the purpose of your lights

Landscaping lights usually come as floodlights, spotlights, or path lights. Depending on what you want to illuminate, you’re going to buy different models. Take a look at the floodlights first.

The type of light you choose also depends on the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. If you want to make a bold statement or focus on a certain part of your backyard, high beam or floodlights work best. If you want something subtle and aren’t going for a particular look, you can just use path lights.

Landscape Lighting Tips to Help You Enjoy Your Outdoor Spaces After Dark

When it comes to lighting your landscape, a little goes a long way. That’s because your eyes need less light outdoors than they do indoors in order to see light, shadow, and pattern. To plan your outdoor landscape lighting, start with a walk around your yard at night. Envision how and when you want to use your outdoor spaces, and tailor your landscape lighting to suit those needs. When you’re ready to choose the fixtures and layout, use these landscape lighting ideas, including tips for the best placement and how to avoid common issues, for a well-lit outdoor space you can enjoy long after dark.

Landscape Lighting Basics

How light is seen during the day is different from how it is seen at night, a particularly important distinction when it comes to lighting pathways and other outdoor spaces. However, certain principles about lighting remain true indoors and out.

For starters, light has intensity, or quantity emitted, and color. The color of a particular lightbulb can be found on the packaging; it is a number that ranges from 1800 kelvins (K), which is very red in tone, to 7500 K, which is a bluish-white.

Whether indoors or outdoors, lighting is generally divided into three layers based on function:

Overall lighting: Overall light provides illumination for a whole room or space.

Task lighting: Task lighting is used for a specific purpose, such as to light a path.

Accent lighting: Accent lighting draws attention to an object or area. This is usually accomplished with spotlights or floodlights.

A variety of lightbulbs are suitable for outdoor light fixtures.

Incandescent bulbs emit pleasing light but have a short life and consume more electricity.

Halogen bulbs are more efficient versions of incandescents, typically with a longer life and less energy consumption.

Fluorescent bulbs are now available in a more pleasing color range, last much longer, and consume less energy.

While LED landscape lighting can be more expensive, the lightbulb costs (which continue to decline) are balanced by their extraordinarily long life and extremely low energy consumption.

Planning Electrical Items Outside (External Power & Lighting)

We’ve put together this short blog post to help with planning electrical items outside your home when using our online rewire calculator.

We hope you have found this series of blog post useful, this is the 8th and final blog post of this series to help assist you when planning electrical items in you your property.

Socket Outlets

Additional external socket outlets can be added to most external walls of your property, these socket outlets are designed to to protect the sockets from external weather conditions and typically come with an IP56 rating, meaning the socket is protected against dust and splashing of water. These sockets will also be protected by an RCD at the consumer unit meaning that they are safe to use for items such as electric lawn mowers and hedge trimmers to give additional protection to the user. These are also a great addition for a patio or outdoor entertaining are so you wont need to run extensions into the house. External sockets can also be fitted to the front of properties or near to drive ways for use with electrical items such as Jet washes and vacuum cleaners.

External Lighting

External lighting is a must for improving the security and practical use around the property. External lighting can also give your property the WOW factor. External lighting comes in all shapes and sizes and choosing the right types of light fitting for the application can often get confusing.

Flood lights or security lights

Flood lights or security lights typically are activated when the motion detector (PIR) picks up movement, these are great for the rear of the property where maximum light is required, these are also a great deterrent for unwanted opportunist.

Decorative lighting

Decorative lighting is often used on both the front and the rear of the property and is typically used for feature or practical lighting, these lights have a number of options when it comes to switching, a manual switch to turn them on as and when you need them, Motion detectors so the lights come on when people approach, dusk till dawn sensors so the lights come on when it goes dark and they also can be controlled via a time clock so that you can choose when the lights come on and go off.

OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURES

Adding Style and Security

Nothing refreshes the look of your home like new outdoor lighting fixtures. At Lamps Plus, we carry a complete line of exterior lighting for porch, patio and landscape areas that can help make your home both safer and more attractive. Brighten an entryway with a hanging design, add style to outside walls or ceilings, or use post lights to improve your driveway and garage areas

For an easy DIY project, outdoor solar lights are a great way to add light to your yard. Because they are powered by the sun, they require no wiring expertise, making them a simple solution for first-timers. With solar path lights for instance, you can line the walkway to your front door in less than an hour. Simply plant them into the ground lining the path and enjoy.

To make your shopping experience easier, we offer a full-size printable version of many of our outdoor light fixtures. Simply print it out and place where you intend to install for a quick and easy way to judge the size of the fixture in relation to its surroundings; see our individual product pages for more information. If you still have questions or would like help selecting the right designs for your home, just give us a call, toll-free.

Quick Tips for Hanging Outdoor String Lights

Spring is here and beautiful summer nights are just around the corner! Today, I wanted to share some really easy quick tips and layout ideas for hanging outdoor string lights.  I’m also sharing my favorite sources for lights and things you’ll need to consider when purchasing outdoor string lights, bistro lights or cafe lights.

Over the years, I have designed outdoor lighting layouts for outdoor events, client spaces and in my own outdoor space and it can be very challenging. I have learned so much over the years what works and what doesn’t work and you’ll find all of my tips below

CHOOSE A STAPLE BRAND OF LIGHTS THAT ARE IN STOCK ALL YEAR

I have tried pretty much all big brand lights out there but I now only buy my outdoor lights from Home Depot  because they keep them in stock all year (year after year). If you buy off brand string lighting, you will run the risk of the lights not being available for replacement bulbs or if you want to add more strings over time. I also buy two extra boxes for replacement bulbs because at $12.00 a box, it’s cheaper for me to just buy more string lights than buy replacement bulbs.

GLASS OR PLASTIC?

As you choose string lights, be sure and double check to see if the lights are glass or plastic. I personally prefer glass bulbs because there is such a big difference in the way the lights look. While it’s hard to tell when they are in the box, I do think that plastic bulbs can look like plastic when they are hung and turned on. It’s just a personal preference for me but glass just illuminates beautifully

CHOOSING SIZE AND STYLE OF LIGHTS

If you’re going to buy staple string lights from Home Depot, Target and Walmart that are available all year, they are most likely going to be round blubs that are called bistro lights or cafe lights.